What motivated you to pursue an MA at Sotheby’s Institute, and how did your experience shape your perspective on the art world?

I chose the MA in Fine and Decorative Art and Design (now MA in Historic Art and Design) at Sotheby’s Institute of Art-London for two main reasons: it integrated art history with the study of the current art market, and it went beyond canonical fine art to incorporate the decorative arts and modern design.

I saw it as the only Master’s program in the UK that could offer me these two pivotal things, as well as an object-based approach and unparalleled access to the important collections, auction houses and galleries that make London a unique place to study art.

This program provided me with everything I had hoped for and more, giving me a well-rounded perspective on the art world and a solid understanding of the commercial mechanisms underpinning it, as well as strong art historical knowledge which I owe to my exceptional lecturers.

Can you share how the MA program shaped your understanding of the art market?

Not only did the program include a module that looked directly at the art market, which provided me with an in-depth understanding of this sector’s dynamics, but it also structured many of its assignments in such a way that made us engage directly with the art market, whether undertaking market research or cataloguing mock lots for sale, developing skills that I have found so useful in my professional life.

It provided me with an appreciation of the connoisseurial knowledge required of buyers and sellers in the art market, and an awareness of the broader fields of collecting, such as antique and modern furniture, silverware and ceramics, to name a few. I would also say that the Careers Services opened my eyes to the varied ecosystem of the art world and made me aware of the importance of regional players as well as the big names, which led me to my first role at the auction house Woolley & Wallis upon graduation.

What were the most valuable skills you gained during the program, and how do you apply them in your career?

To name just a few of the incredibly valuable skills that I acquired during the program, I am very grateful for the working knowledge of the tools available for art market research (e.g. ArtNet), a solid understanding of the auction process, an awareness of the key players in the art market, and the advanced research and writing skills required of a MA dissertation.

Through the Careers Services team at Sotheby’s Institute, I also developed strong interview techniques and CV writing skills, as well as invaluable networking opportunities, which have proven game-changing in job hunting not only following my graduation but also more recently in deciding to relocate to Dubai.

Can you describe your current role and how the knowledge or experiences from the MA program support your responsibilities?

Until recently, I was an auctioneer and valuer at Woolley & Wallis, one of the UK’s leading regional auction houses. The breadth of knowledge and the connoisseurial understanding that I developed on the program were invaluable in learning to value and catalogue items across different departments, and the strong understanding of the auction process I gained on the programme supported my training as an auctioneer.

I am now in the process of moving to Dubai and, with some exciting opportunities in the pipeline, really value the international outlook of the Institute’s MA program, which includes a key module on the global art market across all its courses.

It also fosters a mindset open to innovation in the art market, making us alumni capable of adapting to new challenges, which I have found invaluable in relocating to Dubai.

Using works of art as case studies is a hallmark of the program. How do you feel this method helps students develop critical thinking or connoisseurship skills?

The object-based approach at Sotheby’s Institute was one of the main reasons I chose to study here, so I was delighted by the extensive use of works of art as case studies throughout the program.

This approach enabled me to train my eye alongside developing my academic understanding of art history, teaching me to place the object at the center of my research, which has been pivotal to my professional development as a valuer and cataloguer.

My lecturers were a key part of this, as they made such good use of these case studies in their lectures and site visits. They were pivotal in keeping us focused on artwork as primary sources for our academic work, but equally in sharing their genuine love for these incredible objects that are the reason we all want to study, collect and work with art in the first place.

What has been the lasting value of the program for you—whether in terms of professional opportunities, intellectual growth, or personal perspective?

Professionally, Sotheby’s Institute provided me with the art market understanding and the practical skills that I was looking to develop in order to work in the art world, as well as the networking and career advice that I needed to find opportunities upon graduating and in now relocating to Dubai.

My Master’s was also a great moment of intellectual growth, as I was afforded the chance to look beyond the narrower curriculum of my BA to engage with the study of the decorative arts and design, with which I fell in love.

From a more personal perspective, I met so many great people on the program – fellow students who shared my interests and enthusiasm for our programme and who have now become close friends, and really knowledgeable and inspiring lecturers with whom I am still in touch.

What advice or tips would you give to Sotheby’s Institute applicants?

Make the most of absolutely every opportunity the Institute offers you – professionally, academically, and personally.

It’s a great place to gain those key skills you will need to succeed in the art world and to begin developing that network that will be so important to your career. It’s also just the best fun – as someone who loves art, you’ll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people and have daily access to some of the best artwork in the world. It goes by in a flash, so enjoy every minute!